AMI Rollout

Plan for India

ISGFBNEF Knowledge Paper
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

Abstract
This Paper showcases the evolution of the metering Industry in India. It covers
the benefits of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), key challenges in
implementing AMI, popular communication standards and innovative business
models for rolling out AMI in India. The AMI market share is also calculated
based on three distinct scenarios, namely, Conservative, Moderate and
Aggressive. Furthermore, this Paper provides recommendations for deploying
large scale rollout of AMI in India.

About India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF)

India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) is a public private non-partisan initiative of the Ministry of Power
(MoP), Government of India for accelerated development of smart grid technologies in the Indian
power sector. ISGF was set up in 2010 to provide a mechanism through which academia, industry;
utilities and other stakeholders could participate in the development of Indian smart grid systems
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About Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF)

Bloomberg New Energy Finance is a research organization that helps energy professionals generate
opportunities. Leveraging the most sophisticated new energy data sets in the world, Bloomberg New
Energy Finance synthesizes proprietary data into clear narratives that frame the financial, economic and
policy implications of emerging energy technologies. We work with the largest corporations across
utilities and generation, oil & gas, equipment manufacturers, banking and finance, and government. Our
team of experts, spread across six continents, provides independent analysis and insight by looking at
specific sectors in depth, as well as cross-sector and cross-geography trends and implications. BNEF
helps you navigate an evolving energy economy.

Disclaimer
The information and opinions in this document were prepared by India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) and
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). ISGF has no obligation to communicate with all or any
readers of this document when opinions or information in this document change. We make every effort
to use reliable and comprehensive information but we do not claim that it is accurate or complete. In no
event shall ISGF/BNEF or its members be liable for any damages, expenses, loss of data, opportunity
or profit caused by the use of the material or contents of this document.

Authors
Reji Kumar Pillai President, ISGF
Rupendra Bhatnagar General Secretary, ISGF
James Sprinz Associate, BNEF

India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF)

CBIP Building, Malcha Marg
New Delhi, India
www.indiasmartgrid.org

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

Table of contents.

Abstract 2

About India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) 2

About Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) 2

Disclaimer 2

Authors 2

1. Introduction 4

2. Brief description of AMI 5

3. AMI benefits 6
3.1. Economic benefits 6
3.2. Operational benefits 7
3.3. Other benefits 8

4. Challenges for AMI in India 8

5. AMI market in India 9

5.1. Financing models 9
5.2. Project component costs 10
5.3. Model scenarios and costs 11
5.4. Rollout targets 13

6. Communication technologies for Smart Metering 14

6.1. Uptake 15
6.2. Avoiding vendor lock-in 16

7. Global AMI Market 16

7.1. Installations 16
7.2. Investment 17

8. Recommendations 18

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

1. Introduction
The metering industry has taken rapid strides in the past few years by
traversing from automated meter reading (AMR) to smart metering, using bi-
directional communication, thereby enabling greater benefits to electricity
distribution companies (DISCOMs), customers and society. The Ministry of
Power (MoP) has come out with several transformational policy initiatives for
reforming the power sector in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
published standards for smart metering (IS 16444 in August 2015 and IS 15959
Part 2 in February 2016). The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) followed with
functional requirements for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and
technical specification of smart meters in August 2016.

The UDAY program, announced in November 2015, aims to financially

restructure and enhance the performance of electricity distribution companies.
It includes directives to deploy smart meters for all customers whose electricity
consumption is greater than 200 kWh per month by December 2019.
Furthermore, the National Tariff Policy released in January 2016 re-iterated this
deployment plan.

In July 2016, India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) submitted a White Paper, AMI
Rollout Strategy and Cost-Benefit Analysis for India, to MoP that presents
a detailed cost-benefit analysis of different rollout scenarios. ISGF strongly
advocates deployment of smart meters to all customers on a feeder primarily
because of the potential to reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C)
losses and the substantially lower communication cost per endpoint when the
full feeder is covered. Subsequently, in September 2016, CEA published an
amendment to the AMI rollout strategy by stating that deployment of smart
meters should be done by area or feeder.

The PDMRUPLOHVWRQHV LQ ,QGLDV MRXUQH\ LQ WKH ILHOG RI PHWHULQJ DUH GHSLFWHG
below:

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

2016: IS 15959 Part 2 2016: ISGF Services and Leasing

Electromechanical Meters Indian Standard for data exchange Model
protocol of smart meter Innovative busines proposed by
ISGF

1999: IS 13779 2016: National Tariff Policy 2016: AMI Rollout Strategy and CBA
Indian Standard for electronic Reiterates goals of MoP for for India
meter deploying smart meters ISGF publishes White Paper and
submits to MoP and CEA

2011: IS 15959 2015: IS 16444 2016: CEA strategy for AMI rollout
Standard for electronic meters Indian Standard for smart meter CEA announces strategy for
rollout of AMI in India

2014: IPDS 2015: UDAY

Strong push for smart metering 35 million smart meters to be 2016/17: MoP reviewing Key
deployed by December 2019 Projects for approval

2. Brief description of AMI

Typically, AMI comprises smart meters connected over a neighborhood or

field area network to data concentrator units (DCUs). These, in turn, relay
aggregated metering data over the wide area or backhaul network to the
utility head-end system. The meter data management system (MDMS) collects
data from the head-end system for processing before sharing it with other utility
IT systems.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

7KHNH\IHDWXUHVWKDWPDNHDPHWHUVPDUWLVWKHDGGLWLRQRIDFRPPXQLFDWLRQV
module capable of two-way communication. A remote connect/disconnect
switch is also typically included.

An in-KRPH GLVSOD\ ,+' LV D GHYLFH NHSW LQ WKH FRQVXPHUV premises that
visualises metering data. They are intended to increase awareness of energy
use and support energy efficiency and demand response applications.
However, with the widespread adoption of smartphones, there is less demand
for dedicated energy monitoring displays. Utilities may prefer to develop
smartphone apps for customers rather than invest in IHDs.

3. AMI benefits
AMI is expected to achieve the following benefits:

3.1. Economic benefits

Reduced metering reading and data entry cost

Without smart meters, utilities must send personnel to customer premises to

manually read the meter. Implementation of AMI enables remote meter reading
both regularly and on-demand. Data entry and processing is performed
automatically. Overall AMI should deliver greater convenience at reduced cost
relative to traditional meter reading.

Loss reduction

AMI can remotely detect meter tampering and enable real time energy
accounting. This reduces theft through by-passing the meter, thereby
substantially reducing aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses. AMI
will also streamline the billing, or meter-to-cash, process considerably.

Reduction in peak power purchase cost

With meter data time stamped at 15 minute intervals, AMI enables near real-
time estimation of customer demand. This improves utility load forecasting and
enhances their ability to procure the right volumes of power. Utilities can also
implement time-of -use (ToU) tariffs for different categories of customers and
encourage load shifting with demand response programs. These measures
could reduce utility exposure to expensive power during the peak hours.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

3.2. Operational benefits

Enabling faster service restoration after faults

Traditionally utilities know about an outage when they receive complaints from
affected customers. Service restoration requires utility crews to identify the area
and rectify the fault a time consuming and expensive process. The Bureau of
,QGLDQ6WDQGDUGVUHTXLUHVDOOVPDUWPHWHUVWREHFDSDEOHRIVHQGLQJODVWJDVS
DQG ILUVW EUHDWK PHVVages, which inform utilities when power has failed or
resumed. This will reduce outage restoration times leading to financial savings
and improved customer satisfaction.

Reduction in errors

There are always chances of human errors when meters are read manually or
even via automatic hand-held devices. In addition, the process is time-
consuming. By delivering meter data automatically over communication
networks, AMI eliminates human error from the meter reading process.

Power quality measurement

Smart meters are capable of measuring specific aspects in near real-time, such
as power factor, over or under voltage, and over current. This helps utilities to
enhance system power quality in conjunction with power quality data from other
sources. Improved power quality also leads to lower power losses.

Asset optimization

AMI data supports granular monitoring of power flows on the distribution

network which can help utilities identify segments of over- and under-loading.
This is valuable information for system planning and optimizing network
upgrades. AMI data can also help balance load, which reduces power losses.
Furthermore, network monitoring can decrease the failure rate of distribution
transformers by identifying phase imbalances in advance which can be
corrected.

Remote functionality

Smart meters typically include remote switching, which allows utilities to

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

remotely disconnect or reconnect where necessary, such as when load is

exceeded, for predetermined events, in the case of non-payment, or when a
customer moves. Additionally utilities can monitor the health of the meter and
dispatch maintenance only where necessary.

3.3. Other benefits

x By slashing truck rolls for meter reading and mitigating AT&C losses, smart
meters can potentially reduce the carbon footprint oIDXWLOLW\VVHUYLFHDUHD
x With the use of web-portals, mobile apps, or in-home displays, customers
can monitor and potentially lower their energy consumption.
x Some AMI systems allow customers to use their smart meter as central hub
from which to monitor or control other electrical loads.

4. Challenges for AMI in India

India faces a number of challenges with respect to deployment of AMI:

Financial strength

Indian utilities are highly indebted and are undergoing financial restructuring as
part of the UDAY reforms. The typically high upfront costs of smart meter
projects can be prohibitive for utilities with limited access to capital.

Absence of skilled manpower

AMI is a new concept that involves in-depth knowledge of three distinct

domains: metrology, telecommunications and IT. The DISCOMs are well
versed with the electrical technologies of the electricity grid, but when it comes
to telecommunications and IT, their expertise is limited. Furthermore, the fact
that AMI is an evolving technology adds to the challenge.

Limited awareness

As AMI is new in India, regulators and DISCOMs are still trying to understand
its nuances. As a result, regulators and DISCOMs often find it hard to justify
investments in AMI. Also, limited availability of information on successes in AMI
deployments leads to an unclear picture in the minds of the decision makers.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

Weak procurement framework

In most government tenders in India, the lowest bidder is awarded the contract.
This often leads to the deployment of unproven technologies and systems by
inexperienced parties. Often the lifecycle cost of such systems comes out to be
much higher that the anticipated cost.

Lack of universal standards

DISCOMs in India tend to choose different technical specifications,

independent of each other, for the smart meters in their AMI rollout. This leads
to increased costs and unnecessarily inflated time-to-market. In Europe,
several large, quasi-national, rollouts went this route and have suffered delays
after creating additional burdens for vendors.

Customer engagement

Many potential benefits of an AMI project rely on robust customer engagement.

In India, this is an often overlook aspect by most DISCOMs. Customers will
take part in AMI and demand response initiatives only when they understand
the importance and benefits to them.

Implementation of AMI

DISCOMs do not have one officer or business unit responsible for AMI. Instead,
multiple officers and distinct working groups look after different aspects of smart
meter projects. This leads to delayed and incorrect implementation of the
technology.

5. AMI market in India

5.1. Financing models

The greatest barrier India faces to implementing widespread AMI is finance.

Many Indian DISCOMs do not have the financial muscle to undertake large AMI
projects as the initial capital cost is too high. Hence the typical model, in which
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) are done by the utility may
not be the right way forward for Indian DISCOMs.

The India Smart Grid Forum proposes several leasing and service models
instead. These are explored below:

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

Meter leasing model

Since the quantity of meters is expected to be in the tens of millions, the capital
requirements are likely beyond the capacity of the DISCOMs. Instead, a
financial intermediary a bank, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) or another
financial institution will buy the meters, communication devices and other
equipment and lease it to the DISCOMS in return for monthly payments over a
period of 10 years.

A third-party agency will be responsible for tendering meters and selecting a

group of eligible vendors that meet the national standards. The agency will
determine rates at which utilities can lease the meters, and separately, the
communication modules. DISCOMs will have the option of procuring this
equipment from a variety of vendors supported by the financial intermediary.

Metering services agency model

AMI requires expertise across three distinct domains: metering,

telecommunication and IT. Global experience indicates that utilities have often
struggled to master all three. System integrators can mitigate this challenge
either in an advisory role or more directly overseeing and managing the project.

ISGF proposes that utilities use a metering services agency (MSA) responsible
for project management and O&M. These services would include selecting and
testing equipment, communication infrastructure, and software to standards
defined by the DSICOM and region. Installing meters at customer premises and
establishing the communication network. Commissioning the AMI system and
integrating it with other utility IT. Finally, operating and maintaining the system
for at least 10 years and ensuring it meets standards specified in mutually
agreed service level agreements.

Utilities can either finance the project themselves while leaving O&M to the
MSA, or they can outsource the entire process and bring in a financing agency
to back the project.

5.2. Project component costs

Metering projects involve equipment, communication and software costs in

addition to labor and system integration. By speaking with industry
stakeholders, we have developed the following costs estimates for project

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

components:

Table 1: Project costs for AMI in India

Project component INR USD
Meters 3,800 56.5
Communication infrastructure 350 5.2
HES and MDMS 80 1.2
Installation 775 11.5
System integration 120 1.8
O&M 1,608 23.9
Total 6,733 100
Source: ISGF. Note: costs per meter assuming installation of 500,000 meters and O&M for
10 years. Costs are nominal, converted to dollars using average 2016 rates.

The above costs assume utilities rollout meters to customers in groups of

500,000 of which 80% of meters are single-phase and 20% are three-phase.
RF mesh networking technology is used and one data concentrator is required
per 200 meters. We have not accounted for taxes and duties that may be levied
on various elements of the projects.

5.3. Model scenarios and costs

Using the above costs we can assess the costs of rolling out smart meters
across four financing scenarios:

1. Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC): the utility takes full

responsibility for procuring, financing and managing the project.
2. Partial EPC and services: the utility is responsible for procurement and
financing but outsources project management and maintenance to a third-
party.
3. Leasing and partial EPC: the utility leases meters and equipment from a
third-party but is responsible for project management and maintenance.
4. Leasing and services: the utility leases the meters from a third-party and
outsources project management and maintenance to a metering agency.

Assuming the life of the metering project is 10 years, the cost and complexity
for utilities in each scenario is the following:

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

Table 2: Financing costs and utility requirements for Indian rollout

scenarios
Utility requirements
Business Total cost Total cost
model (INR) (USD) Financial strength Technical expertise
EPC 3.3bn 50.1m High High
Partial EPC 4.4bn 65.5m Low Low
and services
Leasing and 5.2bn 77.3m High Low
partial EPC
Leasing and 5.8bn 86.8m Low High
services
Source: ISGF. Note: costs per meter assuming installation of 500,000 meters. Costs are
nominal, converted to dollars using average 2016 rates. Assumes third-party leasing and
service agencies have a hurdle rate of 12.5%.

The breakdown between upfront and monthly recurring costs is illustrated in

Figure 1.

Figure 1: AMI rollout scenario costs (INR bn nominal)

EPC 2.6 0.8

EPC and
1.8 2.6
services

Leasing and EPC 0.8 4.4

Leasing and
5.8
services
Upfront Recurring
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance; ISGF. Note: costs are nominal, converted to dollars
using average 2016 rates. Assumes third-party leasing and service agencies have a hurdle
rate of 12.5%.

Despite being the highest cost per meter per month, the leasing and services
model requires the least technical knowledge and financial strength from
DISCOMS and is therefore recommended by ISGF. The low risk, and benefits
of financial and technical support outweigh the additional costs.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

5.4. Rollout targets

With the Ministry of Power (MoP) announcing its ambitious target of deploying
smart meters for all customers with monthly consumption over 200 kWh by
December 2019, the DISCOMs are scrambling to fulfill this directive. Many
DISCOMs have already released large tenders to purchase smart meters
(Table 3) and many more are expected to follow suit.

Table 3: Recent meter tenders released/yet to be released by Indian

utilities
Utility Meters
KESCO, Kanpur 539,000
Reliance, Mumbai 300,000
PVVNL, Varanasi 225,000
Tata Power, Delhi 200,000
MSEDCL, Amravati, Maharashtra 148,495
MSEDCL, Congress Nagar, Maharashtra 125,000
Jammu and Kashmir 70,000
CED, Chandigarh 29,443
UGVCL, Gujarat 22,000
Total 1,658,938
Source: ISGF

The estimated number of customers who consume more than 200 kWh per
month is about 35 million. However, following the rollout strategy White Paper
published by ISGF in July 2016, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
announced in August that smart meters must be installed by feeder or by area.
As a conservative estimate, we assume that about 10 million smart meters will
be installed by December 2019.

To assess the potential size of the AMI market in India, we consider 3

scenarios: conservative, moderate and aggressive, in which 10, 20 or 40 million
meters are installed. Assuming meters are deployed using the leasing and
services model, cumulative investment would range 13.146.9 billion rupees
($204729 million) from 2017 to 2019 (Figure 2).

:KLOHWKHJRYHUQPHQWVSROLF\LVPRUHLn line with the aggressive scenario, we

expect that the conservative scenario to play out. This is due to the current level
of activity in the market and the limited time DISCOMs have to meet the

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

JRYHUQPHQWVDPELWLRXVWDUJHWV

Figure 2: Annual India smart meter investment ($m - nominal), 2017-19e

Conservative Moderate Aggressive

600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance; ISGF. Note: converted from rupees using average
2016 rate. Cumulative cost of meters installed each month over the year; does not include
monthly payments for the remainder of the meters life past 2019.

6. Communication technologies for Smart Metering

A number of communication technologies are available for utilities to choose
from for home, neighborhood and wide area networks. These are summarized
in the table below.

Table 4: AMI communication technologies

Technology / protocol Home area network Last mile Wide area network
Wireless x RF mesh x RF mesh x Cellular
x ZigBee x ZigBee x Satellite
x Wi-Fi x Wi-Fi x LPWA
x Bluetooth x Millimeter Wave x Long Wave Radio
x Z-Wave Technology x TVWS
x NFC x Private Microwave
Radio
Wired x PLC x PLC x Optical Fiber
x Ethernet x Ethernet x Ethernet
x Serial interfaces (RS- x Serial interfaces (RS- x PLC
232, RS-422, RS-485) 232, RS-422, RS-485) x DSL
x DSL
Source: ISGF

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for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

6.1. Uptake

There is significant regional variation in which communication technologies are

deployed. Globally PLC is slightly more widespread than RF mesh, but the
location of these endpoints diverges considerably. PLC has been widely
deployed throughout Europe. The technology was chosen by early movers in
European smart metering, such as Enel in Italy and Iberdrola or Gas Natural
Fenosa in Spain, and cemented its position thereafter. Outside of Europe,
however, uptake is limited. In contrast, RF mesh has been widely deployed in
all regions other than Europe. It is by far the most popular choice in North
America and commands a leading position in Asia-Pacific.

Figure 3: Market share of AMI communication technologies

EMEA Americas Asia-Pacific

PLC 124.2
RF Mesh 119.3
Cellular 38.9
RF Star 20.5
WiMAX 3.9
Other 2.2
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Note: excludes china. Smart electricity meters only,
data through July 2016.

New project announcements indicate that PLC is losing favor. The bulk of
contracts awarded for AMI networks since 2015 have gone to wireless
technologies in particular RF mesh and cellular. In part this reflects regional
trends: although EMEA will be the leading market, excluding China, for smart
meter installations through 2020, much of the communication infrastructure has
already been contracted or selected. New announcements are predominantly
outside of Europe, where other communication protocols are preferred. It is
DOVRGXHWRWKHLQFUHDVLQJSRSXODULW\RIFHOOXODU+LVWRULFDOO\XVHGWRILOOLQWKH
JDSVZKHUHFRYHUDJHIURPWKHSULPDU\Wechnology was poor, today cellular is
increasingly the leading choice. In the Netherlands and Uzbekistan, for
example, the majority of endpoints will be connected over cellular.

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for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

6.2. Avoiding vendor lock-in

Interoperability remains a challenge for smart grid technologies. Utilities are

often locked into particular vendors, limiting options for future upgrades or
replacements. Device-level interoperability can be achieved if the correct
approach is taken. Utilities must select a communication system based on
standards available to multiple communication providers and certified globally.
The result is a network in which smart meters can be replaced with units from
various manufacturers. The network interface card (NIC), or communication
module is often produced with a standardized form factor and can also be
purchased from multiple vendors and integrated with differente meters. This
approach avoids vendor lock-in and allows the utility to purchase meters and
communication modules from multiple, and distinct, vendors.

7. Global AMI Market

7.1. Installations

Global cumulative smart electricity meter installations hit 674m in 2016 and will
expand a further 50% past 1bn by 2020. Today the vast majority of global smart
meters reside in Asia-Pacific, primarily China. State Grid Corporation of China
and the smaller China Southern Grid have 444m units since 2009. This burst
of activity overshadows other regions globally. The US more than tripled its
smart meter base in the same period and by the end of 2016 more than 70m
customers have smart meters. Italy, the earliest smart meter market, finished
its rollout in 2010 and is now starting a second phase of deployments.

Figure 4: Cumulative smart meter installations (millions), 201020e

1,041
951
864
778
674
524 583
415
316
198
114

2010 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17e '18e '19e '20e
EMEA AMER APAC

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for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
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Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Note: excludes smart gas meters.

Outside of China, Europe will be the leading market globally Bloomberg New
Energy Finance expects 143m smart meters to be installed between 2017 and
2020. Countries such as France, the Netherlands and the UK will race to meet
WKH (8V GHDGOLQH RI  VPDUW PHWHU SHQHWUDWLRQ E\  ,Q $VLD -DSDQ
takes second place after China, installing an annual average of 11m meters
through the rest of the decade. By 2020 the rest of the Americas will be
installing more smart meters than the US as markets such as Mexico and Brazil
pick up the pace.

The outlook for India rests heavily on which options within this paper are
SXUVXHG %XW %ORRPEHUJ 1HZ (QHUJ\ )LQDQFHV EDVH FDVH DVVXPHV P
smart meters are installed by 2020.

Figure 5: Annual smart meter installations excluding China (millions),

201620e

70.5 69.7 73.1 Rest of AMER

US
56.6
Rest of EMEA
42.6 UK
Italy
France
Rest of APAC
India
2016 2017e 2018e 2019e 2020e Japan
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Note: excludes smart gas meters.

7.2. Investment

Despite large volume of meters installed, China was only briefly, over 2012
14, the largest market by investment. Low cost smart meters have limited the
dollar size of this market. The global smart meter industry has moved through
two distinct investment cycles and is now entering a third. The first was led by
a boom in US smart metering caused by the Smart Grid Investment Grant
which peaked in 2012. The second period saw Asia-Pacific become the largest
market, led by China but then Japan from 2015. We are now in a period of

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for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

transition as European investment accelerates. Bloomberg New Energy

Finance forecasts that Europe, the Middle East and Africa will be the largest
region globally by 2018, expending $7.7bn. If smart gas meters are included in
the figures that switch would take place this year.

Figure 6: Annual smart meter investment ($bn - nominal), 201020e

19.7
17.5 18.1
16.3
12.9

8.2 7.3 8.0

7.0 6.8
5.5

2010 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17e '18e '19e '20e
EMEA AMER APAC
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Note: excludes smart gas meters.

8. Recommendations
Services and leasing model

Considering the significant financial commitments and technical expertise

required to undertake a smart metering rollout, ISGF recommends Indian
DISCOMs pursue at services and leasing model. The majority of utilities are
currently in weak financial positions and lack the requisite proficiency to
manage these projects themselves. Appointment of a metering services
agency is strongly recommended. Those utilities in better financial shape could
opt for to procure meters themselves while still outsourcing the project
management, as discussed in the partial EPC and services model.

Common standards and planning

By opting for an open standards based communication system, DISCOMs can

avoid vendor lock-in and attract a broader range of suppliers, ultimately
improving quality and lowering costs. Examples include the Wi-SUN, ZigBee
and G3-PLC or PLC Prime alliances.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

When selecting technology, DISCOMs should think not only of what smart
meter applications their networks will be required for but of other potential smart
grid or utility use cases. Low latency, high bandwidth networks will be more
capable diverse applications, such as distribution automation, but these come
with added cost. International metering vendors increasingly offer a broad
spectrum of additional services that can be applied once a metering rollout is
complete. Utilities should investigate these before deciding on a network
technology to ensure they are making the most of their investment.

Internal capacity

There is a significant shortage of skilled man-power for AMI amongst Indian

DISCOMs. To rectify this, DISCOMS must develop smart metering and smart
grid training programs. The National Smart Grid Mission of India has
provisionally allocated 80 million rupees ($1.2 million) for training and capacity
building. To successfully implement AMI projects, ISGF suggests that utilities
appoint Chief AMI Officers, responsible for deploying managing and operating
the smart meter system. This should also improve accountability.

Customer awareness

While operational and economic benefits can be achieved by DISCOMs that

follow best practice, for customers to share in the gains requires widespread
consumer awareness of the technology. International experience has
demonstrated that when utilities do not actively engage with consumers before
installing smart meters, there is frequently widespread pushback. This leads to
cost overruns, delays and general declines in customer satisfaction.

The National Smart Grid Mission has allocated 2 million rupees ($29,759) for
each of the 60 state-owned DISCOMs to implement customer engagement
programs. Utilities should take this opportunity to ensure their metering rollouts
are inclusive of, and beneficial to, all customer groups.

Arbitrary requirements

DISCOMs should refrain from imposing unnecessary requirements on vendors.

In the past DISCOMs have demanded that vendors demonstrate positive cash-
flow for the preceding six quarters or are jointly responsible for the performance
of all vendors within a consortium. Instead DICOMs should focus on the
experience of vendors and the quality and cost of their products and services.

ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
AMI Rollout
Plan for India

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ISGF-BNEF Knowledge Paper on AMI Rollout Plan

for India published at ISGW 2017
NOTES
 India Smart Grid Forum
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